Environment
A substantial part of our business involves providing spill containment solutions for our clients. Often we attend sites as a direct result of Environment Agency recommendations for lining or bunding works to take place.
The material we use known as Fibreglass or GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is gaining acceptance amongst engineers as a product that reduces the need to draw upon natural materials such as wood or iron ore. It is virtually maintenance free so there is no cost to the environment as is the case with, for example, the disposal of spent arisings from refurbishment of steel or wooden structures.
Environmental Case Study
Acetone Replacement
Traditionally GRP companies use a product known as Acetone as part of there cleaning process. For some time we have been concerned about the storage, use and disposal of this highly flammable liquid and have sought ways to avoid or reduce its usage.
We decided to make a concerted effort to eliminate its use entirely and find a suitable alternative – but this did not prove to be an easy task. Some of the products we tested were either fairly ineffective or extremely cost prohibitive.
Finally we trialled a water based cleaning agent that separates the resin from the item to be cleaned rather than dissolving it as is the case with Acetone.
Our operatives were given training to use the new system and although initially there was some resistance due to ‘old habits dying hard’ when the safety and environment benefits were outlined the laminators have continued to use it in the knowledge that it is not flammable, explosive and harmful to our environment.
The change from Acetone to Resin Separation Technology has been financially neutral when all costs are considered but the major benefit is that it is biodegradable and harmless to humans and our environment.
